New system for rainwater harvesting at "Abdyl Ramaj" high school in Suhareka

Yesterday, on February 3rd, the closing ceremony of the project for the functionalization of the Rainwater Harvesting and Sustainable Irrigation System on the school premises was held at the IAAP “Abdyl Ramaj” school in Suhareka.

The project was implemented within the IWRM-K Phase 2 – NGO Grant Scheme, with the support of the Swiss Government through SDC. This project aims to conserve water resources by using rainwater for irrigation, which increases resilience during dry periods.

The implemented system collects rainwater from the roof and stores it in reservoirs, where it is later used for irrigating green spaces through sprinkle irrigation networks and the drip-by-drip network. Beyond its operational function, this system enables students and teachers to engage directly in practical learning about sustainable water management.

During the ceremony, the representative of SDC, Ardiana Efendija Zhuri, emphasized that this project is an exemplary initiative of investments in water conservation, where a well-executed grant manages to create a concrete impact on the community, linking the environment with education. Also present at this event were the Director of Education and the Director of Public Services of the Municipality of Suhareka, who congratulated the school and the partners for the project achievements, and stressed that the municipality will always support initiatives that create sustainability, and it is also aimed that the model be replicated by being included as part of other infrastructural projects.

The institutional representatives reaffirmed the importance of the commitment to the sustainability of water resources, as well as the readiness to cooperate with donors so that similar projects can be implemented in other educational and public institutions.

The experience of IAAP “Abdyl Ramaj” shows that collaboration between the school, the municipality, and supporting partners can result in functional systems that integrate into the daily operation of the institution.

This project creates a starting point for advancing sustainable approaches in Kosovo, demonstrating the potential of local interventions to inform broader developments at the institutional level.